U.S. patent application number 12/945930 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-19 for sensor for determining downhole parameters and methods for using same.
Invention is credited to Richard Bloemenkamp, Andrew J. Hayman.
Application Number | 20110114309 12/945930 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45908063 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110114309 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bloemenkamp; Richard ; et
al. |
May 19, 2011 |
SENSOR FOR DETERMINING DOWNHOLE PARAMETERS AND METHODS FOR USING
SAME
Abstract
A system and method for determining a downhole parameter is
provided. The system has a sensor positionable on a downhole tool.
The sensor comprises insulation positionable on a pad of the
downhole tool, and return(s) positionable in the insulation, the
return(s) adapted to exchange a current with a power source, the
return(s) defining a fluid zone. The sensor comprises a mud button
positionable within the fluid zone and in the insulation a distance
from the return(s), the mud button exchanging current with the
return(s). The mud button and the fluid zone are positioned a
distance from the formation such that a majority of the current
passing between the return(s) and the mud button passes through the
downhole fluid whereby the current exchanged with the mud button
generates a measurement of the downhole fluid.
Inventors: |
Bloemenkamp; Richard;
(Montrouge, FR) ; Hayman; Andrew J.;
(Voisins-Le-Bretonneux, FR) |
Family ID: |
45908063 |
Appl. No.: |
12/945930 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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PCT/EP2009/007637 |
Oct 22, 2009 |
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12945930 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
166/250.01 ;
166/66; 73/152.55 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01V 3/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/250.01 ;
166/66; 73/152.55 |
International
Class: |
E21B 47/00 20060101
E21B047/00; E21B 43/00 20060101 E21B043/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 31, 2008 |
EP |
08168134.8 |
Claims
1. A sensor for determining at least one downhole parameter of a
wellsite, the sensor positionable on a downhole tool deployable
into a borehole of a downhole formation of the wellsite, the
borehole having a downhole fluid therein, the sensor comprising:
insulation positionable on a pad of the downhole tool; at least one
return positionable in the insulation, the at least one return
adapted to exchange a current with a power source, the at least one
return defining a fluid zone; a mud button positionable within the
fluid zone and in the insulation a distance from the at least one
return, the mud button exchanging current with the at least one
return; at least one guard for limiting at least a portion of the
current flowing between the mud button and one of the at least one
returns through the pad, each of the at least one guards
positionable between the mud button and one of the at least one
returns a distance therefrom; and wherein the mud button and the
fluid zone are positioned a distance from the formation such that a
majority of the current passing between the at least one return and
the mud button passes through the downhole fluid whereby the
current exchanged with the mud button generates a measurement of
the downhole fluid.
2. The sensor of claim 1, wherein a first portion of the at least
one return forms the fluid zone as a recess.
3. The sensor of claim 2, wherein the recess has a slope.
4. The sensor of claim 3, wherein the slope is a varying angled
slope.
5. The sensor of claim 3, wherein the slope is a constant angled
slope.
6. The sensor of claim 5, wherein the angle of the slope is in a
range between 1.degree. and 40.degree..
7. The sensor of claim 2, wherein the recess has a circular
periphery.
8. The sensor of claim 2, wherein the recess has an elliptical
periphery.
9. The sensor of claim 2, wherein a second portion of the at least
one return is positioned on a side of the pad.
10. The sensor of claim 1, wherein a voltage is applied between the
at least one return and the mud button and wherein the current
through the mud button is measured.
11. The sensor of claim 1, further comprising a formation button
positionable in the insulation, the formation button exchanging
current with the at least one return, wherein the formation button
is positioned on an outer surface of the pad such that the current
passing between the at least one return and the formation button
passes through the downhole fluid and the downhole formation
whereby the current received by the formation button generates a
measurement of the downhole formation.
12. The sensor of claim 11, wherein the formation button and the
mud button detect the current from the same one of the at least one
returns.
13. A system for determining at least one downhole parameter of a
wellsite, the wellsite having a downhole formation with a borehole
therethrough and a downhole fluid therein, the system comprising: a
downhole tool positionable in the borehole; a sensor positionable
on the downhole tool, the sensor comprising: insulation
positionable on a pad of the downhole tool; at least one return
positionable in the insulation, the at least one return adapted to
exchange a current with a power source, the at least one return
defining a fluid zone; a mud button positionable within the fluid
zone and in the insulation a distance from the at least one return,
the mud button exchanging current with the at least one return; at
least one guard for limiting at least a portion of the current
flowing between the mud button and one of the at least one returns
through the pad, each of the at least one guards positionable
between the mud button and one of the at least one returns a
distance therefrom; wherein the mud button and the fluid zone are
positioned a distance from the formation such that a majority of
the current passing between the at least one return and the mud
button passes through the downhole fluid whereby the current
exchanged with the mud button generates a measurement of the
downhole fluid; and a surface unit for controlling at least a
portion of the downhole tool.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein a first portion of the return
forms the fluid zone as a recess.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein a second portion of the return
is positioned on a side of the pad that is substantially normal to
the downhole formation.
16. The system of claim 13, further comprising a formation button
positionable in the insulation, the formation button exchanging
current with the at least one return, wherein the formation button
is positioned on the outer surface of the pad such that the current
passing between the at least one return and the formation button
passes through the downhole fluid and the downhole formation
whereby the current exchanged with the formation button generates a
measurement of the downhole formation.
17. The system of claim 16, further comprising an electronics
package having a processor for determining at least one downhole
parameter by comparing one or more of the currents passing between
the mud and formation buttons.
18. The sensor of claim 13, further comprising a wireline for
conveying the downhole tool into the borehole and for transmitting
data between the surface unit and the downhole tool.
19. A method for determining at least one downhole parameter of a
wellsite, the wellsite having a downhole formation with a borehole
therethrough and a downhole fluid therein, the method comprising:
providing a downhole tool having a sensor thereon, the sensor
comprising: insulation positionable on a pad of the downhole tool;
at least one return positionable in the insulation, the at least
one return adapted to exchange a current with a power source, the
at least one return defining a fluid zone; a mud button
positionable within the fluid zone and in the insulation a distance
from the at least one return, the mud button exchanging current
with the at least one return; at least one guard for limiting at
least a portion of the current flowing between the mud button and
one of the at least one returns through the pad, each of the at
least one guards positionable between the mud button and one of the
at least one returns a distance therefrom; wherein the mud button
and the fluid zone are positioned a distance from the formation
such that a majority of the current passing between the at least
one return and the mud button passes through the downhole fluid
whereby the current exchanged with the mud button generates a
measurement of the downhole fluid; positioning the downhole tool
into the borehole; passing the current through the at least one
return, the downhole fluid and the mud button; and determining at
least one fluid parameter from the current.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the sensor further comprises a
formation button positionable in the insulation for exchanging
current with the at least one return and wherein the step of
passing further comprises passing the current through the at least
one return, the downhole fluid, the formation and the formation
button.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising comparing the
current passed by the mud button with the current passed by the
formation button.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising determining one or
more formation parameters.
23. The method of claim 19, wherein the sensor is positioned on a
logging while drilling tool.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This invention and application is related to and is a
continuation-in-part of International Patent Application No.
PCT/EP2009/007637, entitled "A TOOL FOR IMAGING A DOWNHOLE
ENVIRONMENT," filed on 22 Oct. 2009, which in turn claims the
benefit of priority from European Patent Application No. 08168134,
entitled "A TOOL FOR IMAGING A DOWNHOLE ENVIRONMENT," filed on 31
Oct. 2008. The entire contents of all of the aforementioned
applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to techniques for performing
wellbore operations. More particularly, the present invention
relates to techniques for determining characteristics of downhole
fluids, such as electrical parameters of downhole fluids and/or
formations.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Oil rigs are positioned at wellsites for performing a
variety of oilfield operations, such as drilling a wellbore,
performing downhole testing and producing located hydrocarbons.
Downhole drilling tools are advanced into the earth from a surface
rig to form a wellbore. Drilling muds are often pumped into the
wellbore as the drilling tool advances into the earth. The drilling
muds may be used, for example, to remove cuttings, to cool a drill
bit at the end of the drilling tool and/or to provide a protective
lining along a wall of the wellbore. During or after drilling,
casing is typically cemented into place to line at least a portion
of the wellbore. Once the wellbore is formed, production tools may
be positioned about the wellbore to draw fluids to the surface.
[0004] During drilling, measurements are often taken to determine
downhole conditions. In some cases, the drilling tool may be
removed so that a wireline testing tool may be lowered into the
wellbore to take additional measurements and/or to sample downhole
fluids. Once the drilling operation is complete, production
equipment may be lowered into the wellbore to assist in drawing the
hydrocarbons from a subsurface reservoir to the surface.
[0005] The downhole measurements taken by the drilling, testing,
production and/or other wellsite tools may be used to determine
downhole conditions and/or to assist in locating subsurface
reservoirs containing valuable hydrocarbons. Such wellsite tools
may be used to measure downhole parameters, such as temperature,
pressure, viscosity, resistivity, etc. Such measurements may be
useful in directing the oilfield operations and/or for analyzing
downhole conditions.
[0006] Attempts have been made to measure certain characteristics
of a wellbore. Various techniques have been developed for measuring
downhole parameters as described, for example, in US
Patent/Application Nos. 20090204346, 20090153155, 20090072833,
20090090176, 20080288171, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,258,005, 5,457,396,
6,527,923, 7,066,282, 6,801,039, 5,677,631, 5,574,371, 6,801,039,
3,879,644, 3,816,811, 4,608,983, 7,397,250, and 7,394,258. In
particular U.S. Pat. No. 7,689,363 discloses a dual standoff
resistivity imaging instrument.
[0007] More specifically, European Patent Application Nos.
102900084.2 and 10290083.4, filed by Applicant and incorporated
herein by reference, relate to techniques for determining
electrical parameters of downhole fluids.
[0008] In addition, International Patent Application No.
PCT/EP2009/007637, filed by Applicant and incorporated herein by
reference, relates to a tool and method for imaging a formation
through a substantially non-conductive medium. The tool comprises
first circuitry for injecting a current into the formation, wherein
a complex impedance to the current is measured. Second circuitry
for determining a phase angle of an impedance of the nonconductive
medium and third circuitry for determining a component of the
complex impedance that is orthogonal to the phase angle.
[0009] Despite the development of techniques for measuring downhole
parameters, there remains a need to provide advanced techniques for
determining parameters of downhole formations and/or wellbore
fluids. It may be desirable to provide techniques that enhance
downhole fluid and/or downhole formation measurements. It may be
further desirable to provide techniques that isolate the
measurements of certain downhole parameters, such as wellbore fluid
data. Such isolated measurements are preferably capable of
eliminating interference from other measurements. Preferably, such
techniques involve one or more of the following, among others:
accuracy of measurements, optimized measurement processes, reduced
clogging, minimized components, reduced size, increased surface
area for measurement, constant flow of fluids during measurement,
optimized shape of measurement apparatus/system, real time
capabilities, compatibility with existing wellsite equipment,
operability in downhole conditions (e.g., at high temperatures
and/or pressures), etc.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention relates to a system and method for
determining at least one downhole parameter of a wellsite using a
sensor. The sensor positionable on a downhole tool deployable into
a borehole of a downhole formation of the wellsite, the borehole
having a downhole fluid therein. The sensor has insulation
positionable on a pad of the downhole tool and at least one return
positionable in the insulation. The at least one return is adapted
to exchange a current with a power source. The at least one return
defines a fluid zone. The sensor has a mud button positionable
within the fluid zone and in the insulation a distance from the at
least one return. The mud button exchanges current with the at
least one return. The sensor has at least one guard for limiting at
least a portion of the current flowing between the mud button and
one of the at least one returns through the pad, each of the at
least one guards may be positionable between the mud button and one
of the at least one returns a distance therefrom. The mud button
and the fluid zone are positioned a distance from the formation
such that a majority of the current passing between the at least
one return and the mud button passes through the downhole fluid
whereby the current exchanged with the mud button generates a
measurement of the downhole fluid.
[0011] The present invention relates to a system for determining at
least one downhole parameter of a wellsite. The wellsite has a
downhole formation with a borehole therethrough and a downhole
fluid therein. The system has a downhole tool positionable in the
borehole and a sensor positionable on the downhole tool. The sensor
has insulation positionable on a pad of the downhole tool, at least
one return positionable in the insulation, the at least one return
adapted to exchange a current with a power source, the at least one
return defining a fluid zone, and a mud button positionable within
the fluid zone and in the insulation a distance from the at least
one return, the mud button exchanging current with the at least one
return. The sensor has at least one guard for limiting at least a
portion of the current flowing between the mud button and one of
the at least one returns through the pad, each of the at least one
guards positionable between the mud button and one of the at least
one returns a distance therefrom. The mud button and the fluid zone
are positioned a distance from the formation such that a majority
of the current passing between the at least one return and the mud
button passes through the downhole fluid whereby the current
exchanged with the mud button generates a measurement of the
downhole fluid. The system may have a surface unit for controlling
at least a portion of the downhole tool.
[0012] The present invention relates to a method for determining at
least one downhole parameter of a wellsite, the wellsite having a
downhole formation with a borehole therethrough and a downhole
fluid therein. The method comprises providing a downhole tool
having a sensor thereon. The sensor comprises insulation
positionable on a pad of the downhole tool and at least one return
positionable in the insulation, the at least one return adapted to
exchange a current with a power source, the at least one return
defining a fluid zone. The sensor comprises a mud button
positionable within the fluid zone and in the insulation a distance
from the at least one return, the mud button exchanging current
with the at least one return. The sensor comprises at least one
guard for limiting at least a portion of the current flowing
between the mud button and one of the at least one returns through
the pad, each of the at least one guards positionable between the
mud button and one of the at least one returns a distance
therefrom. The mud button and the fluid zone are positioned a
distance from the formation such that a majority of the current
passing between the at least one return and the mud button passes
through the downhole fluid whereby the current exchanged with the
mud button generates a measurement of the downhole fluid;
positioning the downhole tool into the borehole. The method further
comprises passing the current through the at least one return, the
downhole fluid and the mud button, and determining at least one
fluid parameter from the current.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The present embodiments may be better understood, and
numerous objects, features, and advantages made apparent to those
skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings. These
drawings are used to illustrate only typical embodiments of this
invention, and are not to be considered limiting of its scope, for
the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The
figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and
certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or
in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system for determining
downhole parameters comprising a downhole tool positioned in a
wellbore and a sensor on the downhole tool for determining downhole
parameters.
[0015] FIG. 2A is a schematic view of the downhole tool of FIG. 1
depicting the downhole tool with a pad with a sensor thereon.
[0016] FIG. 2B is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a portion of
the downhole tool of FIG. 2A taken along line 2B-2B.
[0017] FIG. 2C is a front view of the pad of the downhole tool of
FIG. 2A depicting the sensor in greater detail.
[0018] FIG. 2D is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pad of
FIG. 2C taken along line 2D-2D depicting the sensor on a face of
the pad with a recess.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the pad of FIG. 2D further
depicting the sensor in greater detail during operation.
[0020] FIG. 4 is an alternate view of the pad of FIG. 3 depicting
leakage prevention during operation.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an
alternate pad having a fluid sensor on a side thereof.
[0022] FIGS. 6A-6B are schematic views the fluid sensor of FIG. 2D
depicting a configuration thereof. FIG. 6A shows a front view of
the fluid sensor. FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional side view of the
fluid sensor.
[0023] FIG. 7 schematic view of a downhole tool for determining
downhole parameters.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the
downhole tool of FIG. 7 taken along line 8-8.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a flow chart depicting a method of determining
downhole parameters.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)
[0026] The description that follows includes exemplary apparatus,
methods, techniques, and instruction sequences that embody
techniques of the present inventive subject matter. However, it is
understood that the described embodiments may be practiced without
these specific details. Presently preferred embodiments of the
invention are shown in the above-identified Figures and described
in detail below.
[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a wellsite 100 having an oil
rig 102 with a downhole tool 104 suspended into a wellbore 106
therebelow. The wellbore 106 has been drilled by a drilling tool
(not shown). A drilling mud, and/or a wellbore fluid 108, may have
been pumped into the wellbore 106 and may line a wall thereof. As
shown, a casing 110 has also been positioned in the wellbore 106
and cemented into place therein. The downhole tool 104 may include
one or more sensors for determining one or more downhole
parameters, such as wellbore fluid parameters and/or formation
parameters. The wellbore fluid parameters, or properties, may be
determined by the one or more sensors independent of a
determination of the formation parameters. Thus, the determined
fluid parameters may be used to more accurately determine the
formation parameters as will be described in more detail below.
[0028] The downhole tool 104 is shown as a wireline logging tool
lowered into the wellbore 106 to take various measurements. The
downhole tool 104 may include a conventional logging device 112, a
sensor 116, one or more telemetry devices 118, and an electronics
package 120. The conventional logging device 112 may be provided
with various sensors, measurement devices, communication devices,
sampling devices and/or other devices for performing wellbore
operations. For example, as the downhole tool 104 is lowered, it
may use devices, such as resistivity or other logging devices, to
measure formation parameters and/or properties.
[0029] As shown, the downhole tool 104 may be conveyed into the
wellbore 106 on a wireline 122. Although the downhole tool 104 is
shown as being conveyed into the wellbore 106 on a wireline 122, it
should be appreciated that any suitable conveyance may be used,
such as a slick line, a coiled tubing, a drill string, a casing
string and the like. The downhole tool 104 may be operatively
connected to a surface unit 114 for communication therebetween. The
downhole tool 104 may be wired via the wireline 122, as shown,
and/or wirelessly linked via the one or more telemetry devices 118.
The one or more telemetry devices 118 may include any telemetry
devices, such as electromagnetic devices, for passing signals to a
surface unit 114 as indicated by communication links 124. Further,
it should be appreciated that any communication device or system
may be used to communicate between the downhole tool 104 and the
surface unit 114. Signals may be passed between the downhole tool
104 and the surface unit 114 and/or other locations for
communication therebetween.
[0030] While the downhole tool 104 is depicted as the wireline tool
104 having the sensor 116 thereon, it will be appreciated that the
sensor 116 may be positioned downhole on a variety of one or more
tools. For example, the sensor 116 may be placed downhole on a
drilling, coiled tubing, drill stem tester, production, casing,
pipe, or other downhole tool. Although only one sensor 116 is
shown, it should be appreciated that one or more sensors 116 and/or
portions of the sensors 116 may be located at several locations in
the wellbore 106. The sensor 116 is preferably positioned about an
outer surface of the downhole tool 104 so that the downhole fluid
may pass therealong for measurement thereof. However, it will be
appreciated that the one or more sensors 116 may be positioned at
various locations about the wellsite 100 as desired for performing
fluid measurement.
[0031] The electronics package 120 may include any components
and/or devices suitable for operating, monitoring, powering,
calculating, calibrating, and analyzing components of the downhole
tool 104. Thus, the electronics package 120 may include a power
source, a processor, a storage device, a signal conversion
(digitizer, mixer, amplifier, etc.), a signal switching device
(switch, multiplexer, etc.), a receiver device and/or a
transmission device, and the like. The electronics package 120 may
be operatively coupled to the sensor 116. The power source in the
electronics package 120 may apply a voltage to the sensor 116. The
power source may be provided by a battery power supply or other
conventional means of providing power. In some cases, the power
source may be an existing power source used in the downhole tool
104. The power source may be positioned, for example, in the
downhole tool 104 and wired to the sensor 116 for providing power
thereto as shown. Optionally, the power source may be provided for
use with the sensor 116 and/or other downhole devices. Although the
electronics package 120 is shown as one separate unit from the
sensor 116, it should be appreciated that any portion of the
electronics package 120 may be included within the sensor 116.
Further, the components of the electronics package 120 may be
located at various locations about the downhole tool 104, the
surface unit 114 and/or the wellsite 100. The sensor 116 may also
be wired or wirelessly connected to any of the features of the
downhole tool 104, and/or surface unit 114, such as communication
links, processors, power sources or other features thereof.
[0032] The sensor 116 may be capable of determining one or more
downhole fluid parameters and/or one or more formation parameters.
The downhole fluids may include any downhole fluids such as
downhole mud (e.g., oil based), hydrocarbons, water and/or other
downhole fluids. The sensor 116 may determine the downhole
parameters of the downhole fluids and/or the downhole formations as
the downhole tool 104 passes through the wellbore 106. Due to the
harsh conditions of the downhole environment, the sensor 116 may be
positioned on the downhole tool 104 in such a manner that the
sensor 116 is capable of measuring fluids as the downhole tool 104
passes through the wellbore 106. Further, the sensor 116 may be
positioned in such a manner that reduces clogging of downhole
fluids as the downhole fluids pass the sensor 116. As shown, the
sensor 116 is positioned on an outer surface 126 of the downhole
tool 104. The sensor 116 may be recessed a distance below the outer
surface 126 to provide additional protection thereto, or protruded
a distance therefrom to access fluid and/or formation. The sensor
116 may also be positioned at various angles and locations as
desired.
[0033] FIG. 2A shows a schematic view of the downhole tool 104
located in the wellbore 106 and within a downhole formation 200. As
depicted, the downhole tool 104 is a wireline microresistivity tool
containing pads 207 with sensor 116. The sensors 116 may be located
on the outer surface 126, or located on one or more arms 204 which
extend from downhole tool 104. As shown, the sensor 116 is
positioned on the pad 207. The arms may be configured to place the
sensors 116 as close to the formation wall 206, or against a mud
layer on the formation wall, as possible. Thus, the arms 204 may be
actuatable, or spring loaded in order to bias the sensor 116
against the formation wall 206.
[0034] FIG. 2B shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the
downhole tool 104 in FIG. 2A taken along line 2B-2B. As shown, the
downhole tool 104 may include multiple sensors 116 located around a
tool mandrel 202. Each of the sensors 116 may be configured to
measure the parameters of the downhole fluid and/or parameters of
the formation. The downhole fluid may be a conductive wellbore
fluid such as a water based fluid, or a non-conductive wellbore
fluid such as an oil based fluid. For the conductive wellbore
fluid, the fluid in the wellbore typically has little effect on the
formation parameters measured by the sensor 116, although the fluid
that enters the rock pores or fractures does have an effect. For
the non-conductive wellbore fluid, the fluid, and/or mud layer, may
act as an insulator for the current entering the formation. Thus,
when performing formation measurements in non-conductive wellbore
fluid, the fluid may have an effect on the formation parameters
measured by the sensor 116. Therefore, it may be necessary to
correct the formation parameters using the wellbore fluid
parameters measured by the sensor 116.
[0035] FIG. 2C shows a front face, or top view, of the sensor 116
positioned on the pad 207. The sensor 116 as shown may have an
insulation material 222 with a fluid sensor 208 and a formation
sensor 210 therein. Each of the fluid and formation sensors (208,
210) have source electrodes and sensor electrodes. The pad 207, or
base, may adhere to the outer surface 126 of the downhole tool 104
using any conventional means.
[0036] Part or all of the pad 207, or base, may comprise the
insulation material 222. The insulation material 222 may adhere to
the pad 207 using any conventional means. The insulation is
preferably a material, such as PEEK, capable of impeding and/or
stopping current flow. Although described as PEEK, it should be
appreciated that the insulating material 222 may be any suitable
material for impeding or stopping current including, but not
limited to, Sapphire, ceramics, polyimide resin, plastic, and the
like. The insulation material 222 may be provided with a thin layer
of copper thereon, and with a layer of gold applied to the copper
to prevent oxidation (not shown).
[0037] The fluid sensor 208 may include a fluid zone 212. The fluid
zone 212 may be an area configured to allow the fluid sensor 208 to
measure the wellbore fluid parameters, as will be described in more
detail below. For example, the fluid zone 212 may be created by a
geometry, or a shape, of the fluid sensor 208 and/or a location of
the fluid sensor 208. FIG. 2D shows a cross-sectional view of the
sensor 116 taken along line 2D-2D. The fluid sensor 208 may be a
circuit which may include one or more source electrodes 214 (or
returns) and a mud button 216 (or sensor electrode).
[0038] The fluid zone 212 of the fluid sensor 208, as shown in FIG.
2D is a recess 218 in the pad 207. The fluid zone 212 may have any
shape that allows flow of the wellbore fluid over the source
electrodes 214 and the mud button 216. The fluid zone 212 may be on
a nearly planar or slightly curved surface, thereby preventing
fouling by viscous components of the fluid or trapping of solid
components. The fluid zone 212 may be configured to locate the mud
button 216 a sufficient distance from the formation wall 206
thereby allowing the mud button 216 to sense parameters of the
wellbore fluid without interference from the formation. For
example, if the mud button 216 is on the pad 207 at a location
proximate to the formation wall 206, the mud button 216 may be
placed in a very gradual and smooth recess as shown in FIG. 2D.
[0039] FIG. 2D shows the recess 218 formed by providing a slope 230
on at least a portion of the source electrodes 214 for the fluid
sensor 208. The slope 230 may be a varying slope, for example of a
continuously curved recess, or have a constant slope. In one
example the slope 230 may have an angle .THETA. for optimizing
fluid flow and current flow toward the mud button 216. In one
example the angle .THETA. may be about 20 degrees. However, it
should be appreciated that the angle .THETA. may be any suitable
angle, for example in the range of 1 to 40 degrees.
[0040] The formation sensor 210 is a circuit which may include one
or more source electrodes 214 (or returns), and a formation button
220 (or sensor electrode or injector). As shown in FIG. 2D, the
fluid sensor 208 and the formation sensor 210 may share a common
source electrode 214. However, it should be appreciated that there
may be an additional source electrode (not shown) for the fluid
sensor 208 and/or the formation sensor 210 in order to make the
sensors 208 and 210 independent of one another. Between the source
electrodes 214, the mud button 216, and the formation button 220
there is the insulating material 222. The fluid sensor 208 and the
formation sensor 210 may be communicatively linked to the
electronics package 120 (FIG. 1) as will be discussed in more
detail below.
[0041] The fluid sensor 208 and the formation sensor 210 may be
connected to the same electronics package 120, as shown in FIG. 1.
Using the same electronics package 120 for both sensors may reduce
the effect of electronics variations between the sensors 208 and
210. Further, it should be appreciated that the fluid sensor 208
and the formation sensor 210 may use separate electronics packages
(not shown). The separate electronics packages may be similar and
thereby may reduce the effect of electronics variations between the
sensors. Further still, the separate electronics packages may have
a wide variety of equipment.
[0042] The frequency range of the fluid sensor 208 and/or the
formation sensor 210 may be optimized in a frequency range from
almost DC up to roughly 100 Mhz. Due to the frequency, the fluid
sensor 208 and the formation sensor 210 may be adapted to the full
range of oil-based-mud micro-resistivity imaging tools such as OBMI
as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,191,588 which is herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety. Thus, the downhole tool 104 (as shown in
FIG. 2A) may measure the fluid at the same, or similar, frequency
or frequencies as the formation 200. Preferably, the frequency is
optimized for measurement of one or more of the desired downhole
parameters using one or more sensors positioned about the downhole
tool.
[0043] The fluid sensor 208 and/or the formation sensor 210 may
measure a voltage and a current between at least one of the source
electrodes 214 and the mud button 216, and/or the formation button
220. From the voltage and the current electrical properties, or
parameters, measured by the sensors, various downhole parameters
of, for example, the wellbore fluid and/or the formation may be
determined. The electrical properties may include conductivity and
permittivity. Thus, the fluid sensor 208 and/or the formation
sensor 210 may measure the amplitude and phase of the voltage and
the current. From the amplitude and phase of the voltage and the
current, the complex impedance may be calculated for the wellbore
fluid and/or the formation. With the complex impedance known, the
electrical properties may be calculated. In another example, the
fluid sensor 208 and/or the formation sensor 210 measure only the
amplitude of the voltage and the current. From amplitude of the
voltage and the current, the impedance amplitude may be calculated.
With the impedance amplitudes known electrical properties such as
absolute conductivity and impedivity may be calculated. In another
example, the fluid sensor 208 and/or the formation sensor 210 may
measure only the phase of the voltage and the current. From phase
of the voltage and the current, the impedance phase may be
calculated. With the impedance phase known the ratio of
conductivity and permittivity may be calculated. Measurements taken
by the fluid sensor 208 and the formation sensor 210 may be taken
at several frequencies (i.e. multi-frequency measurement) to
optimize response.
[0044] The source electrodes 214, the mud button 216 and the
formation button 220 may be any conventional electrode capable of
generating current across a fluid. A power source (e.g., included
in the electronics package 120 of FIG. 1) may be operatively
connected to the electrodes for applying a voltage (V+, V-)
thereacross. As voltage is applied, a current flows out of one of
the electrodes, for example the source electrodes 214 that can be
measured by the mud button 216 and/or the formation button 220. The
source electrodes 214 and the sensor electrodes may be
geometrically and materially optimized to match substantially to a
fixed characteristic-impedance transmission line.
[0045] The current from the electrodes may be used to determine
various parameters. In an example involving a fluid passing between
a pair of electrodes, an AC voltage V is applied between two
electrodes to generate a resultant current I that can be measured
at the sensor electrode, for example the mud button or the
formation button. The complex impedance Z may be determined from
the measured current I based on the following:
Z=|Z|exp(i.phi..sub.Z) Equation (1)
where magnitude |Z| based on Ohms law and phase .phi..sub.Z are
defined as follows:
|Z|=|V/I| Equation (2)
.phi..sub.Z=phase of I relative V Equation (3)
and where exp (i.phi..sub.Z) based on Euler's formula is defined as
follows:
exp(i.phi..sub.Z)=Cos .phi..sub.Z+i sin .phi..sub.Z Equation
(4)
The magnitude and phase of the impedivity (sometimes referred to as
the complex impedivity) of a fluid .zeta. is defined as
follows:
.zeta.=|.zeta.|exp(i.phi..sub..zeta.) Equation (5)
Equation (5) may be derived from Z by the relations as follows:
|.zeta.|=k|Z| Equation (6)
Equation (6) may also be written as follows:
|.zeta.|=k|V|/|I| Equation (7)
The phase (or dielectric angle) of the fluid .zeta. is derived as
follows:
.phi..sub..zeta.=.phi..sub.Z Equation (8)
where: [0046] |.zeta.| is the magnitude of impedivity, [0047]
.phi..sub..zeta. is the phase angle of the impedivity, and [0048] k
is a constant for the device.
[0049] The constant k may be measured empirically, for example, by
measuring the impedance V/I between electrodes as a fluid of known
impedivity is passed therethrough. The constant k may also be
calculated from the geometry of the electrodes using conventional
methods.
[0050] Data concerning the measured current may be used to
determine fluid parameters, such as impedivity, resistivity,
impedance, conductivity, complex conductivity, complex
permittivity, tangent delta, and combinations thereof, as well as
other parameters of the wellbore fluid. The data may be analyzed to
determine characteristics of the wellbore fluid, such as the type
of fluid (e.g., hydrocarbon, mud, contaminants, etc.) A processor
(e.g., located in the logging device 112, the electronics package
120 of FIG. 1) may be used to analyze the data. Optionally, the
data may be communicated to the surface unit 114 and/or other
location for storage and/or analysis. Such analysis may be
performed with other inputs, such as historical or measured data
about this or other wellsites. Reports and/or other outputs may be
generated from the data. The data may be used to make decisions
and/or adjust operations at the wellsite. In some cases, the data
may be fed back to the wellsite for real-time decision making
and/or operation.
[0051] FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the pad 207
having the fluid sensor 208 and the formation sensor 210 and
showing how current flows from the source electrodes 214 to the
sensor electrodes, for example the mud button 216 and the formation
button 220. A current 300, and/or a voltage, may be applied to any,
or all, of the source electrodes 214 by the power source of the
electronics package 120. The fluid zone 212 of the fluid sensor 208
may be configured to pass a majority of the current 300A through
the wellbore fluid 108. The term "majority" as used herein in
reference to current passing to and from the pad 207 refers to more
than 50%, but not 100%, of the current passing through the wellbore
fluid 108. In some implementations, the current passing to and from
the pad 207 can be about 60-99.7%, preferably about 70-99.8%, and
more preferably about 80-99.9%, of the current passing through the
wellbore fluid 108.
[0052] The formation sensor 210 may be configured to pass the
current 300B through both the wellbore fluid 108 and the downhole
formation 200. Thus, the current 300A may be used to calculate
wellbore fluid electrical properties, as described above. The
current 300B may be used to calculate the electrical properties of
the formation and the wellbore fluid. The currents 300B and 300A
may be compared in order to determine the downhole formation 200
parameters without the interference of the wellbore fluid
parameters. Thus, from the current 300A detected by the mud button
216 the wellbore fluid parameters may be deduced. The wellbore
fluid parameters may then be used to compensate the formation
parameters determined from the current 300B such that the formation
parameters become independent of the wellbore fluid.
[0053] FIG. 3 shows a guard electrode 302 located between the
source electrode 214 and the mud button 216, and between the source
electrode 214 and the formation button 220. The guard electrode 302
may be located in the insulating material 222. The guard electrodes
302 may be positioned to ensure that only current flowing through
the wellbore fluid 108 and the fluid sensor 208 is measured by the
mud button 216, and that only current flowing through the wellbore
fluid 108, the formation 200, and the formation sensor 210 are
measured by the formation button 220. Thus, the guard electrode 302
may prevent parasitic currents from contaminating the measured
current and/or voltage.
[0054] The guard electrodes 302 may be used to intercept leakage
currents by applying the three-terminal guarded measurement
principle. FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the pad
207 having the fluid sensor 208 and the formation sensor 210. This
figure shows how leakage currents that flow (or leak) from the
source electrodes 214 are intercepted by the guard electrodes 302.
A current 400, and/or a voltage, may be applied to any, or all, of
the source electrodes 214 by the power source of the electronics
package 120. A certain amount of the current may leak from the
source electrode 214 toward the mud button 216 and/or the formation
button 220. When the current leaks, the current does not travel
through the intended media to be measured, for example the wellbore
fluid and/or the formation. Thus, if the current leakage were
detected by the sensor electrodes, the wellbore parameters and/or
the formation parameters may be compromised by the current leakage.
Thus, the guard electrodes 302 prevent the sensor electrodes from
detecting one or more leak currents 400A and 400B.
[0055] The guard electrode 302 for the mud button 216 and/or the
formation button 220 may be a thin highly conductive layer. The
conductive layer may be any suitable conductor including but not
limited to a metal layer, a foil, metal plating, a combination
thereof and the like. The guard electrode 302 for the mud button
216 and/or the formation button 220 may have the same potential as
the mud button 216 and/or the formation button 220.
[0056] The leak current 400A may travel through the insulating
material 222, or a small, and possibly unrepresentative, portion of
the fluid zone 212 before being intercepted by the guard electrode
302. These leak currents 400A may not represent the wellbore fluid
parameters that the fluid sensor 208 is measuring. Thus, the guard
electrode 302 intercepts the leak currents 400A to prevent
contamination of the measurements.
[0057] The leak current 400B may travel through the insulating
material 222, or a small, and possibly unrepresentative, portion of
the downhole formation 200 before being intercepted by the guard
electrode 302. These leak currents 400B may not represent the
formation parameters that the formation sensor 210 is measuring.
Thus, the guard electrode 302 intercepts the leak currents 400B to
prevent contamination of the measurements.
[0058] FIG. 5 depicts an alternate configuration of the sensor 116
with the fluid sensor 208 located on a side 500 of the pad 207. As
shown, the side 500 of the pad 207 is preferably configured to face
a direction approximately perpendicular to the formation wall 206.
Because the side 500 is not facing the formation wall, the fluid
sensor 208 may not need the recess 218, as the current 300A being
measured by the mud button 216 may not travel toward the formation
wall 206. The fluid sensor 208 may include a fluid zone 212. The
fluid zone 212 may be an area configured to allow the fluid sensor
208 to measure the wellbore fluid parameters. For example, the
fluid zone 212 may be created by a geometry, or a shape, of the
fluid sensor 208 and/or a location of the fluid sensor 208. In this
configuration an additional source electrode 214 may be necessary,
as the fluid sensor 208 and the formation sensor 210 may be
separated from one another. Although the fluid sensor 208 is
depicted as being on the side 500 which is normal to the formation
wall, it should be appreciated that the fluid sensor 208 may be
located on the side 500, or other surface, that is located at a
number of angles relative to the formation so long as the current
300A will not travel through the downhole formation 200. Although
no recess is shown in the fluid sensor 208, one may be present.
[0059] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict an example geometry for the fluid
sensor 208. As shown, the mud button 216 is substantially round
when viewing from the top as shown in FIG. 6A. A dimension 600A-G
is provided as an example of one configuration of the fluid sensor.
A mud button radius 600A may be from about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm. A
mud button insulator radial width 600B may be from about 0.1 mm to
about 1 mm. A guard electrode radial width 600C may be from about
0.005 mm to about 1 mm. A guard insulator radial width 600D may be
from about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm. A return fluid zone radial width
600E may be greater or equal to about 3 mm. The front face return
width 600F combined with the return fluid zone radial width 600E
may be greater than or equal to about 5 mm. A mud button depth
600G, as shown on FIG. 6B may be from about 2 mm to about 6 mm, if
the mud button 216 is on a front face of the pad 207 thereby facing
the downhole formation 200. It should be appreciated that the
dimensions 600A-G may vary depending on the configuration and use
of the fluid sensor 208. Further, although the components of the
fluid sensor 208 are shown as being circular in FIG. 6A, it should
be appreciated that the components may have any suitable shape
including, but not limited to, elliptical, oval, polygonal, linear,
and the like. For example, the mud button 216 may be a thin and
long strip within the fluid sensor 208.
[0060] FIG. 7 depicts a schematic view of the downhole tool with
the sensor 116 thereon. As shown, the fluid sensor 208 includes the
mud button 216 in an elliptical recess 700. The fluid sensor 208 as
shown may include any of the components described above associated
with the fluid sensor 208 including, but not limited to, the source
electrode 214, the mud button 216, the guard electrode 302, an
insulating material 222, and the like. The elliptical recess 700
may allow the fluid sensor 208 to measure only the wellbore fluid
while the downhole tool 104 is in the wellbore 106, as shown in
FIG. 1. The formation sensor 210, as shown, includes the formation
button 220, the source electrodes 214, the guard electrodes 302 and
insulating material 222. The formation button 220 is on the outer
surface of the pad 207 and is thereby configured to be proximate
the formation wall in operation. As shown, the formation button 220
is a plurality of formation buttons 220 surrounded by a guard
electrode 302.
[0061] FIG. 8 depict a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
downhole tool 104 of FIG. 7 taken along line 8-8. This shows the
mud button 216 centrally located in the return, or source electrode
214. The mud button is at the bottom of the recess 218. The recess
218 is shown as having a gradual slope which may allow a fluid flow
800 of the wellbore fluid 108 proximate the mud button 216.
Further, the recess 218 may allow the current 300A to flow only
through the wellbore fluid 108 before entering the mud button 216.
The mud button 216, as shown, includes a mud button conductor 802
and a guard electrode conductor 806 which may be operatively
coupled to one or more communication links 804. The communication
links 804 may operatively couple the sensor 116 to the electronics
package 120. The source electrodes 214 and the formation button 220
may have a source electrode conductor 808 and a formation button
conductor 810 which may operatively couple the source electrode 214
and the formation button 220 to the communication links 804. The
mud button conductor 802, the guard electrode conductor 806, and
the source electrode conductor 808 may also secure the mud button
216, the source electrode 214 and the formation button 220 to the
pad 207.
[0062] FIG. 9 depicts a flow diagram 1000 illustrating the use of
the sensor 116. The flow begins by providing 1002 a downhole tool
having a sensor. The sensor may have a fluid sensor and a formation
sensor. The fluid sensor may be geometrically designed to pass a
current and/or a voltage through the wellbore fluid to a mud button
in a fluid zone without passing the current and/or the voltage
through the formation. The downhole tool may then be positioned
1004 into the wellbore. The downhole tool may then locate the
sensor proximate to one of the one or more downhole formations. The
sensor may then pass 1006 a current through the return, the
downhole fluid, and the mud button. At least one wellbore fluid
parameter may then be determined 1008 from the current. Optionally,
the sensor may then pass a current through the return, the downhole
fluid, the formation, and the formation button. At least one
formation parameter may then be determined 1012 from the current.
The determined formation parameters and/or wellbore fluid
parameters may then be used to enhance wellbore operations about
the wellsite.
[0063] While the embodiments are described with reference to
various implementations and exploitations, it will be understood
that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the
inventive subject matter is not limited to them. Many variations,
modifications, additions and improvements are possible. For
example, additional sources and/or receivers may be located about
the wellbore to perform seismic operations.
[0064] Plural instances may be provided for components, operations
or structures described herein as a single instance. In general,
structures and functionality presented as separate components in
the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined
structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality
presented as a single component may be implemented as separate
components. These and other variations, modifications, additions,
and improvements may fall within the scope of the inventive subject
matter.
* * * * *